RIZAL, Philippines – Not even a formidable TNT side coming off a championship could stop NorthPort’s fiery start.
The Batang Pier went 4-0 for the first time in franchise history after hacking out a 100-95 win over the Tropang Giga in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, December 8.
Joshua Munzon once again hit a big shot late and shone on both ends with 20 points and 4 steals as NorthPort dealt TNT, which ruled the season-opening Governors’ Cup, a second straight defeat to begin the conference.
“We definitely knew that they were going to give us their best game coming into this game. For us to be 4-0 right now is big for us,” said Munzon.
The Tropang Giga were within striking distance after import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson cut their deficit to 95-97 with a free throw, but Munzon gave the Batang Pier enough breathing room with a triple with 1:28 minutes left.
Grasping at straws, TNT shot itself in the foot with back-to-back turnovers then missed a pair of four-point attempts inside the final 15 seconds.
“I was happy to make the shot. I’m confident in myself. Every time I shoot the ball, I think it is going in,” said Munzon, who hit a clutch four-pointer en route to a career-high-tying 25 points against Magnolia four days prior.
Kadeem Jack led NorthPort with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks, Arvin Tolentino produced 17 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks, while William Navarro posted 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks.
Rookie Evan Nelle chimed in 8 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals for the Batang Pier.
Calvin Oftana paced the Tropang Giga with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Hollis-Jefferson put up 19 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks, and 3 steals.
The two, however, were contained by the NorthPort defense in the fourth quarter, with Oftana and Hollis-Jefferson limited to just 3 and 4 points, respectively, in the period.
Roger Pogoy had 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in the losing effort.
The Scores
NorthPort 100 -Jack 27, Munzon 20, Tolentino 17, Navarro 12, Nelle 8, Yu 6, Onwubere 4, Cuntapay 3, Bulanadi 3, Flores 0, Miranda 0.
TNT 95 – Oftana 20, Hollis-Jefferson 19, Pogoy 17, Khobuntin 14, Galinato 10, Nambatac 9, Aurin 4, Razon 2, Heruela 0, Exciminiano 0, Ebona 0.
Quarters: 26-22, 45-52, 72-73, 100-95.
– Rappler.com